Chapter 141: Chapter 142

Chapter 0142 Chapter 0142 I returned her squeeze, letting her know I was not to be intimidated.

“If you make a scene, I’ll have you arrested,” David muttered, glaring as I withdrew my hand from Amanda’s grasp. “You can’t prove anything. You’ll only embarrass yourself.”

Feigning innocence, I shrugged. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.” Turning to Alexander, I smiled up at him. “Shall we go inside?”

“Whenever you’re ready, darling,” he replied, his voice soft yet pointed as he led me forward, leaving David and Amanda in our wake.

As we made our way into the garden, I could hear the whispers around us, but I kept my head high, refusing to acknowledge them. Alexander stayed close at my side, his ever–present charming smile adding to our composed appearance.

Slowly, I realized the murmurs weren’t judgmental or negative; when I finally mustered the courage to look around, I noticed nods of approval, even admiration.

My gaze settled on the Alpha and Luna of Briar Rose. As soon as we made eye contact, they headed toward us. Alpha Alistair Rose extended his hand to Alexander, who shook it with an easy smile.

“It’s good to see you again,” Alexander said.

“And unexpectedly, at that,” Alistair replied with a slight smirk. Tall and slim with pale hair and sharp features, he gave off a refined aura, though his smile was surprisingly warm.

Luna Danica moved to greet me, pulling me into a quick, reassuring hug that caught me off guard. “I wondered if you’d come,”

she said quietly.

“We were invited,” I replied, trying to keep my tone light.

“Which was odd, I thought,” she added, giving me a squeeze before pulling back. “You know, we were at the restaurant that night, when the truth about their bond was revealed. Scandalous of them to do this, after how they strung you along.”

I nodded, averting my eyes as an unexpected pang of emotion tightened my chest.

Alexander interjected smoothly, “That’s precisely why we’re here–David needs to be reminded of his obligations to Ella in light of his shameful treatment.”

Alistair nodded thoughtfully. “A man must pay his debts,” he murmured, understanding clear in his eyes.

Our conversation was interrupted by the sudden buzz of a microphone. All heads turned to the pagoda in the center of the garden, where David and Amanda now stood before the crowd. Though he tried to maintain his composure, David’s gaze kept flickering toward me, a subtle strain in his expression as he began to speak.

He thanked everyone for attending and spoke glowingly of Amanda, praising her “virtue,” which prompted a few audible scoffs from those around us.

“We’ve decided to move forward with our marriage because we’ve come to realize our love is undeniable,” David declared. “We may seem rushed to those on the outside, but we’ve been in love for years. I wanted to give the other Alphas and Lunas a chance to ask any questions you might have, and I assure you that the future of the Lunar Lake pack is secure. There will be no disruptions to trade or alliances.”

Alexander’s hand settled at the small of my back, giving me a gentle push. Taking the cue, I stepped forward and raised my voice. “I have a question.”

+25 BONUS Chapter 0142 A ripple of whispers swept through the crowd as David’s strained smile froze, his eyes locking onto me. “Yes, Miss Rowan?” he asked, his voice tense. “What’s your question?”

“It’s very simple,” I replied, meeting his gaze unflinchingly. “You and I had a contract that, if you betrayed or misled me, you would owe me a portion of the farmland that borders our packs. You’ve broken that contract.” I paused, letting the weight of my words settle over him. “When can I expect payment?”

The crowd fell into an electrified silence, all eyes on David as his expression twisted with barely–contained anger.

I met his gaze steadily, daring him to deny me. I could hear people around us shifting closer to hear his response. I smiled, waiting for him to reply. He had no choice, and he knew it. His anger could touch me here, not with Alexander on my side and the Alphas of the kingdom looking on. This time, David was at my mercy.